Veneers Or Bonding? A Side-By-Side Glance

Looking after your teeth is one of the most important aspects of your personal healthcare. We all know that keeping our oral hygiene in peak condition can be a real challenge. Even with the best diets and stellar daily tooth care practices, things can go wrong. Everyone needs some work done at some point in their lives. If you have found yourself in the position of needing some work done on your teeth, then try not to fret too much. This is very common, and it is not necessarily anything to be too alarmed about. The fact is, chipped and broken teeth are a common sight for dentists. The good news is that there are several options available to you at this stage. The two most popular ones are dental bonding and veneers. Which to go for is a matter of personal choice and something you should discuss with your dentist. However, it is worthwhile considering the benefits and drawbacks of both. The more you know, the better. Let’s take a look at them, side by side.

The Method

Bonding is a process by which tooth-colored material is used to patch up those areas which need work. Essentially, it is a method of masking the imperfections which you want to do away with. It is not a lasting repair, but it does provide a significant cosmetic enhancement to the mouth. Conversely, veneers are thin shells of porcelain which are made to cover the front of teeth. They are not color-matched as with bonding, but they do provide a solid covering for any gaps or cracks in the teeth.

Time

As a rule, bonding only needs to take one visit to the dentist. This will remain the case, even if extensive amounts are needed. It is quite a simple procedure, and one visit is almost always enough. However, veneers are unlikely to be completed in one sitting, as the process is a little more time-consuming and complex. Nonetheless, it may be that only two sessions are required.

Cost

Veneers are far and away the more expensive option, but that is because they are so much more effective. Bonding is quite a lot cheaper. However, bonding is unlikely to last as long as successfully implanted veneers. It is ultimately up to you, the patient, whether you wish to prioritize money or longevity.

Results

Veneers provide a near-perfect rendering of actual teeth. They often look realistic enough that nobody can tell they are even there. What’s more, they resist staining from the likes of coffee or nicotine. Bonding may not be so perfectly matched or long-lasting, but they are nonetheless a viable short-term solution. They are, however, more susceptible to staining, particularly in the first few days. Bonding is best for minor repairs while veneers are best for larger alterations to the mouth.

Maintenance

Regardless of whether you go for bonding or veneers, some maintenance is often required. Neither are as strong as natural teeth, so it is vital that you are careful with them. The prevailing advice is to avoid biting your nails if you can help it. Similarly, avoid chewing on objects unnecessarily. Bonding can easily last up to five years – veneers, fifteen or more.